Police asking for public’s help in Stevenson Drive shooting

Springfield police are asking for the public’s help to solve a Wednesday shooting in the 2200 block of Stevenson Drive that left a bystander with a gunshot wound to her foot.

Witnesses told police that the occupants of a white car, possibly a Pontiac Grand Prix, opened fire on a Chrysler 200 shortly after the driver exited a nearby convenience store about 5:15 p.m.

The driver of the Chrysler accelerated to avoid the gunshots and crashed into a westbound pickup on Stevenson. Both vehicles sustained extensive damage.

The bystander, a pedestrian, was struck by a stray bullet. The pedestrian, the man driving Chrysler and a passenger in the Chrysler were taken to Memorial Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. The people in the car did not sustain any gunshot wounds, police said.

Police believe the shooting was deliberate since the white car was seen circling the area prior to the shooting.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that Wednesday’s incident is connected to a Tuesday shooting on South 16th Street, since the same two groups appear to be involved.

Police were called to the 1200 block of South 16th Street about 5 p.m. and found shell casings in the area. A short time later, an 18-year-old man arrived at St. John’s Hospital with a gunshot wound to his foot.

People with information on this or other crimes can submit tips anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 788-8427 or they can submit a tip online at www.cashfortips.us. Tips can also be sent by text. Type TIP672 plus a message and send to CRIMES. Informants are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000.